In this interview feature, we get to know the most radicalist up and coming stars on the planet. 

This time we spoke to explorative electronic producer, songwriter and singer Hôy la.

Over a year ago, we found ourselves inexplicably drawn to the spacious, minimalistic sound of Danish creative Ingri Hôyland, aka Hôy la. Our journey began with ‘Please’, a compellingly melancholic affair with generous nods to trip-hop and this artist’s distinctive and carefully crafted eerie atmosphere. From here we fell for ‘Purple’ and ‘Roses’, both of which featured in the X Heads EP. It’s no surprise that Hôy la is tracking the path of many contemporary pop Scandinavian names, such as MØ, Chinah and School of X, with an appearance at Vega’s chosen ones earlier this year. She’s also performed at Spot Festival and Roskilde Festival this year. 

Those of you who have joined us in following Hôy la will know that she recently released heartfelt single ‘Kids’. It’s a slomborious and minimalist track housing a topic that’s close to home for the artist - mental health awareness. Below we speak about the story behind Hôy la’s latest song, as well as production tips, her favourite albums, the X Heads EP, and what’s to come next. 

TMR: Hi Ingri, so you’ve just released a new single ‘Kids’, which has a personal backstory and strong connections with mental health awareness. Can you explain the inspiration behind this track?

I wrote ‘Kids’ to my good friend’s parents, who couldn’t acknowledge how much their son was struggling with life. There are just in general so many young people that are struggling, and yet so many find it so shameful and taboo to talk about. You can’t necessarily see how much someone is struggling based on their looks, appearance, workload etc - so we need to get better at asking one another! Our friends, sisters, lovers, parents need to know they are not alone. 

TMR: ‘Kids’ is akin to the minimalist style we’ve come to know as signature Hôy la. Have you always been drawn to eerie, spacious soundscapes?

Yes, it has been an important starting point for me, right from the start. When I was younger I played the guitar and some piano, but I never really connected with the sounds and melodies I was able to create. But when I started working electronically and with soundscapes, it was like I was able to convey my feelings and moods into sonic atmospheres. 

TMR: Which artists continue to inspire you?

I often listen to a couple of artists at the same time, and I listen to their albums on repeat for a month and then carry on to a new one. Probably not the most healthy way to listen to music haha, but I guess I feel the need to get it all in at the same time. There are some albums though, that I never get tired of. I can listen to Johan Johanssons album Jazz på Svenska a million times; it’s such a timeless piece and it’s such an inspirational atmosphere to be in. Also James Blake’s album from 2011 keeps inspiring me, the minimalism in it is genius. 

TMR: Is there a track on your personal playlist that would really surprise people?

Haha, maybe ‘I Love You Always Forever’ by Donna Lewis? It’s such a quirky, good pop track! And also, Abba - people always find it surprising that I love, love, love Abba - sad people need some happy music too!

TMR: Your music has many trip-hop traits, especially tracks like ‘Please’ and ‘Purple’, was this a purposeful choice? And what other genres do you blend into your sound?

Hm... it wasn’t a direct choice, I guess all my first tracks are some kind of natural improvisation over feelings, melodies, rhythms and instrumental choices. I have never had one specific genre in mind when creating music. But I was very drawn to the trip hop genre around 2010-2011, and it was about that time I really started to get interested in music so maybe it has set a bigger imprint in me then I thought. But since then I’ve also found a lot of inspiration in genres such as soul, electronica and experimental too.

TMR: Speaking of ‘Please’, the first track to appear on TMR, would you say that your writing and production style has evolved since then?

Yes definitely, I think it evolves every time I make a new track! I’ve also been working with a lot of different people since then, and they have all inspired me in different ways. 

TMR: How did you get into producing your own music? Do you have any tips for anyone who wants to get into production?

Download logic or just start with garageband - midi is super fun and you can do things just as you like, there are no rules and you don’t need a specific skill set to get started. And also YouTube tutorials are gold! 

TMR: Not so long ago we mentioned your X Heads EP in our review of ‘Roses’, did this debut feel like an important landmark for the Hôy la project?

Yes I think so, I had released the tracks as singles, which felt like the right thing to do because they all represent different stories and moods. But collecting them and releasing them as an EP and cassette definitely felt like a landmark, realising that they represented me as an individual and also my first steps as a musician and producer. 

TMR: Are you planning to release more singles or another body of work this year?

Yes! Stay tuned! 

TMR: Where can Hôy la fans see you play live next?

I just played Roskilde Festival which was a major experience, and next up is Øya Festival in Oslo, August 6. We’re playing at Blå, which is a dark alternative kind of venue and it fits the music perfectly. Hopefully I can play at a venue like that in London sometime soon. If you know the right place, hit me up!

Introduction and questions by Hannah Thacker

Photography credit: Jonas Svarstad